The USGS Workforce Planning Model consists of five steps. The model is supported by a guided inquiry approach. At each step, there are questions – located in Appendix B Guided Inquiry – to provoke thought, collaboration, and further analysis. The guided inquiry approach is meant to be both iterative and interactive: iterative, because the answer to one question may lead a manager to ask another question; and interactive, because managers need to engage their staff and other stakeholders to fully explore a set of questions. This is a process that enables organizational learning. The questions on the guided inquiry document are not meant to be simply answered as listed, but create a usable, robust and valid workforce plan – a comprehensive, dynamic strategy rather than a report.